5 Things to Keep in Mind when Choosing an Entryway Rug

Call it a foyer, an entryway, an entrance hall, but whatever you call it, it’s the space between the great outdoors and your well-thought-out home that’s not always easy to style. This can be particularly true for rugs, because you must consider not only the natural elements, but also the style of your home…and tastefully merge the two.

Because, in case you’re wondering, yes, there will be mud on someone’s shoe when they come through your door. Yes, a child may dribble some ice cream from his cone on his way outside. Yes, someone’s wet footprints will find their way across the rug as she runs inside to grab her forgotten purse. Below is a brief guide in choosing the entryway rug that is right for you:

1. Make sure the size of the rug is in proportion to the size of the entryway. A small 2’x3′ rug in a giant entryway will look miniscule and, let’s be honest, wimpy. Conversely, a larger 5’x7′ rug in an entryway that is barely that big itself will probably look too big for its britches. Although foyers come in every shape and size, be conscientious that the scale of your rug will be complementary to the scale of the space.

2. Open and close your door several times and note the space between the bottom of the door and your entryway floor. Although you might love the feel of thick shag between your toes, the constant rub of a door’s opening and closing will significantly decrease the life of the rug. (Plus, thick-pile rugs are harder to keep clean at a doorway; thinner piles tend to be hardier.) Always leave a sufficient vertical air gap between your rug and the door.

3. Consider the ease of cleaning your dream rug. As an obvious example, an all-white cotton rug might be beautiful to look at for a day or two, it won’t be easy to keep lustrous and bright for much longer than that. Plan on snow, mud, dirt, and/or water (depending on where you live) to come into contact with your entryway rug; even if your home has a no-shoes policy, it is likely that people will take a step or two inside in order to take their shoes off. Indoor/outdoor rugs (typically made of synthetic materials) are a great option.

4. Patterned rugs can be very forgiving. Not only does the well-chosen pattern add visual interest to a space (which is often the most important determining factor but at very least a bonus), but it also hides dirt and grime temporarily until you have a chance to clean the rug. For most entryways I find that, all else being equal, multiple colors and an interesting pattern extend the aesthetic life of a rug much longer than if the rug were of a simple, solid design.

5. Of course, all of this isn’t to say you should throw your entire sense of style out the window because your entryway rug needs to have all of these components. As one of the first things seen upon entering your house, the entryway rug is arguably one of the most important decorating decisions you can make. You want to make sure it correctly introduces your Does it introduce your design aesthetic, your personality, and your home? Does it give the visitor an idea of what s/he will find inside? Be true to your sense of style in selecting an entryway rug, as this will play a big role in your home’s first impression.

Extra tips!

Use a rubber pad underneath the rug to prevent it from slipping. This way it will stay fixed and you don’t have to worry about a thing. First measure the length and width of the rug and then lay the rubber or vinyl nonstick pad on a flat, clear surface. Measure and cut it, locate the position you want for your entryway rug and lay the pad on the floor. Then put the rug on top.

The shape of the rug is also important. Choose a rectangular one if you have a long and narrow entry or if the space is wide and shallow. This way you can better define the entryway. Round rugs are very elegant can be used for arched front doors or double-stair entryways.

An entryway with tiled floor often feels cold and uninviting. So use a large rug to warm up the space and to make it feel more welcoming. The texture of the rug will contrast with the floor and, depending on the pattern and color you’ve chosen for the tiles, you can also find a rug that complements it.

Place a mat directly in front of the door so you and your guests can first take their shoes off or clean them and then walk on your beautiful entryway rug. This way the rug stays clean for a long time and you can choose one with an interesting print or a light color.

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About the author

Brittney is a wife, a mom of four young children, a writer and editor (B.S. degree in English/Technical Writing), and a lover of interior design. She thrives on finding inexpensive ways to DIY her own home into a stylish yet family-friendly space.